Top 100 Gift Ideas For Plant Lovers 2024
When to plant black eyed susan?
I had the best luck planting my black-eyed Susans in the spring. I waited until after all danger of frost had passed, because those little sprouts just wouldn’t survive a freeze. The soil had warmed up nicely by then, which seemed to give them a happy little boost to get established before the summer heat hit. Fall might be an option too, but I haven’t tried that myself yet.
Do deer eat black eyed susan?
Thankfully, the deer in my area seem to find my black-eyed Susans completely uninteresting! They’ve munched on plenty of my other flowers in the past, but the Susans have always been left alone. Maybe it’s the coarse hairs on the leaves and stems – they don’t exactly look like a delicious deer buffet. It’s a relief, because those cheerful yellow blooms are one of the highlights of my late summer garden.
Does black eyed susan come back every year?
It depends on the variety I planted! Some of my black-eyed Susans definitely come back year after year, bigger and brighter than before. I think those are the perennials everyone talks about. But I also planted some from a seed packet that says “annual” on it, and those ones haven’t returned on their own. Though, to be honest, I sometimes see surprise black-eyed Susans popping up around the garden in random spots. Maybe the birds helped plant those by carrying the seeds around? Either way, it’s a nice surprise to see their cheery faces appear, even if they weren’t exactly planned!
How to plant black eyed susan seeds?
I actually just started some black-eyed Susan seeds myself this year! It’s pretty easy. I waited until spring, after the last frost, because I know those little seedlings are delicate. Then, I found a nice sunny spot in my garden with well-drained soil. I didn’t even need to fertilize it much – black-eyed Susans seem happy with whatever my soil throws their way. I sprinkled the seeds on top of the soil, because they need light to germinate, and then gently patted them down. I kept the soil moist until the sprouts arrived, but not soggy – you don’t want them to drown! It took a few weeks, but soon I had these little green thumbs pushing up through the soil. Now they’re getting bigger each day, and I can’t wait to see those bright yellow blooms in a few months!
Is black eyed susan a perennial?
As I mentioned before, my black-eyed Susan experience has been a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to perennial status. There are definitely some varieties that come back year afteryear, those cheerful guys are the true perennials everyone raves about. They get bigger and stronger each season, rewarding me for my minimal effort. But like I said, I also planted some from a seed packet labeled “annual,” and those haven’t returned on their own. So, it seems like there are perennial and annual black-eyed Susan varieties out there. Next time I’m at the garden center, I’ll definitely be checking the label carefully to make sure I’m getting the long-lasting kind!
What do black eyed susan seeds look like?
Black-eyed Susan seeds are tiny and numerous. They are long and slender, with a pointed tip at one end. Their color can vary depending on maturity, but they are typically a dark brown or black color. Imagine a bunch of toothpicks shrunk down to the size of sesame seeds, and that’s kind of what black-eyed Susan seeds look like!
They are usually found in a cone-shaped seed head that forms after the flower has died. The seed head will dry out and turn brown, and the seeds will eventually fall out when they are mature. You can collect the seeds from the seed head once it’s dry and brown, and then store them in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to plant them.
Do black eyed susan spread?
You bet they do! My black-eyed Susans are champions at spreading around the garden. They’ve got two sneaky tricks up their sleeves. First, they are prolific self-seeders. Those tiny black seeds I mentioned? They get scattered by the wind, hitching rides on animals, or just tumbling around on the ground. If they land in a spot with decent soil and some sunshine, surprise – a new black-eyed Susan pops up! It’s pretty amazing to see new blooms appear in random places, but it can also mean I have to do some occasional weeding if they start crowding out other plants.
The second way they spread is by underground stems called rhizomes. These guys creep out from the main plant and sprout new shoots, slowly expanding the black-eyed Susan colony. It’s not quite as dramatic as the surprise seedlings, but it can definitely fill in bare spots in the garden – which is great, until it starts filling in spots where you didn’t want them! It’s a good thing they’re so easy to dig up and move though, if spreading gets a bit too enthusiastic.
Do bees like black eyed susan?
Absolutely! My black-eyed Susans are a bee bonanza every summer. They just buzz with activity! The bright yellow petals are like a giant neon sign for bees, and the flowers are packed with nectar. I see all sorts of bees enjoying the bounty – big, fuzzy bumblebees, smaller honeybees, and even some skinny little specialist bees. It’s a constant hum and dance around the flowers, and it’s both fascinating and heartwarming to watch. Knowing I’m helping out the bee population by providing a tasty snack makes me love my black-eyed Susans even more.
Do you deadhead black eyed susan?
I waver on deadheading my black-eyed Susans. There’s a constant battle between wanting those cheerful blooms to last forever and helping the plant thrive. Here’s the thing: deadheading, which is snipping off the spent flowers, can definitely encourage more blooms throughout the season. Who wouldn’t want that? But on the other hand, the dried seed heads have a certain rustic charm, and they provide a late-season feast for the birds. Finches love the seeds, and it’s pretty cool to see them clinging to the brown cones, extracting their tiny black treasures.
So, what do I do? It depends on my mood and the situation. Sometimes I deadhead religiously, especially if I’m having a garden party and want everything looking spick and span. Other times, I let a few blooms go to seed, especially in areas where the birds seem to congregate. There’s no right or wrong answer, really, it’s all about finding a balance between aesthetics and supporting the wildlife in my backyard.
How deep to plant black eyed susan seeds?
You barely need to bury black-eyed Susan seeds at all! They’re what gardeners call light-dependent germinators, which means they actually need sunlight to sprout. In fact, planting them too deep can hinder their growth.
Here’s what I’ve found works best: I sprinkle the seeds directly on top of the soil, maybe pressing them down just slightly with my fingers. Some folks recommend covering them with a very thin layer of soil, like no thicker than a pinch of dust. The key is to just barely cover them, if at all, and definitely not bury them deep. They’ll sense the sunlight better near the surface and send up those green shoots in a few weeks.
Can black eyed susan grow in shade?
Black-eyed Susans will definitely thrive in full sun, with at least 6-8 hours a day. That’s when they put on their best show, with abundant blooms and sturdy stems. But I can tell you from my own experience, they’ll tolerate some shade too. I have a few black-eyed Susan plants that snuck in under the edge of a taller shrub, and they’re still going strong. They might not be as floriferous as their sun-drenched counterparts, and the stems might be a bit leggier as they reach for the light. But they’ll still produce some blooms, and their cheery yellow faces always brighten up that shady corner. So, while full sun is ideal, don’t count out black-eyed Susans entirely if you have a spot with some afternoon shade.
How big does black eyed susan get?
Black-eyed Susans can vary quite a bit in size depending on the specific variety you plant. Here’s what I’ve observed in my own garden:
- The majority of my black-eyed Susans grow to be around 2 to 3 feet tall. This seems to be the most common range, and it gives them a nice bushy shape with plenty of blooms.
- Some varieties stay even shorter, reaching only 1 foot or so in height. These dwarf varieties are perfect for edging flower beds or planting in containers.
- On the other hand, there are some real giants out there! I’ve seen certain types of black-eyed Susan that can grow as tall as 4 or even 6 feet. These impressive plants make a real statement in the garden, but they might need some staking for support, especially if they’re in a windy location.
So, when choosing black-eyed Susans, it’s important to consider the mature size of the variety you’re interested in. Check the plant tag or seed packet for information on expected height. This will help you ensure you pick the perfect spot in your garden for these cheerful yellow blooms.
How many petals does a black eyed susan have?
Black-eyed Susans don’t actually have petals in the traditional sense! The showy yellow part of the flower we admire are actually called ray florets, not petals. These ray florets come in varying numbers, with some black-eyed Susan varieties boasting anywhere from 8 to 30 per flower!
The brown or dark colored center of the black-eyed Susan, which many might mistake for a single large petal, is actually a whole different structure made up of tiny disc florets. These tiny florets are what produce the seeds the plant uses to reproduce.
Is black eyed susan poisonous to dogs?
While black-eyed Susans aren’t considered highly toxic, they aren’t exactly dog-safe either. If my pup, Charlie, decided to munch on a bunch of black-eyed Susan leaves or flowers, it might irritate his mouth, stomach, or skin. The leaves have coarse hairs that could cause discomfort, and ingesting a lot of any plant material can lead to an upset tummy.
That being said, I’ve never had any problems with Charlie nibbling the occasional black-eyed Susan in the garden. But, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. I try to keep him away from them as much as possible, and if I notice him showing any signs of illness after being around the plants, I’d call the vet right away.
Here’s the thing: there are so many wonderful, safe dog-friendly plants out there. Maybe next year I’ll plant some that Charlie can enjoy sniffing and exploring, without the worry of a potential tummy ache!
Why are my black eyed susan leaves curling?
There could be a couple reasons why your black-eyed Susan leaves are curling. Let’s see if we can diagnose the culprit!
- Thirsty roots: Black-eyed Susans are pretty tough cookies, but underwatering can definitely make their leaves curl. Especially during hot, dry spells, they might need a good drink to perk up again. Stick your finger in the soil a few inches down. If it feels dry, give them a good soaking and see if the leaves start to uncurl in a day or two.
- Pest problems: Less likely, but curling leaves could also be a sign of insect pests like aphids or spider mites. These tiny critters love to munch on plant juices, which can damage the leaves and cause them to curl. Inspect the undersides of the leaves for any tiny crawling or webbing insects. If you see some unwelcome guests, there are natural remedies and insecticidal soaps you can try to get rid of them.
- Heat stress: Very hot weather can sometimes cause black-eyed Susan leaves to curl as a way to conserve moisture. If you’re experiencing a heat wave, try providing some afternoon shade for your plants. A shade cloth or strategically planted taller flowers can help keep them a bit cooler.
If the leaves are curling and also turning yellow or brown, that might be a sign of something different, like a disease or nutrient deficiency. But for plain curling, underwatering, pests, or heat stress are the most likely culprits. Observe your plants and see if any of these scenarios fit the bill!
Can i plant black eyed susan seeds in the fall?
You absolutely can plant black-eyed Susan seeds in the fall! In fact, depending on your climate, it can be a great option. Here’s the breakdown:
- Fall planting works best in areas with cold winters. The seeds benefit from a period of cold, moist stratification, which mimics the natural winter conditions that would break their dormancy and encourage them to sprout in the spring.
- Aim to plant the seeds 6 weeks before the first expected frost. This gives them enough time to establish a decent root system before the cold weather hits.
- Early to mid-fall is the ideal planting window. If you wait too long, the ground might freeze before the seeds have a chance to germinate.
- Here’s a tip: Some gardeners recommend cold stratifying the seeds indoors before planting them outside in the fall. You can mimic those cold, moist conditions by placing the seeds in a container with damp potting mix and keeping them in your refrigerator for a few weeks.
However, there are also some things to consider:
- Spring planting is an option too. Black-eyed Susans are pretty adaptable and will germinate from seeds sown in the spring after the danger of frost has passed.
- Fall planting might not work in warm climates. If you live in a place with mild winters, the seeds might not experience the cold period they need to break dormancy.
- Germination success can vary with fall planting. The fall weather can be unpredictable, and cold snaps or sudden warm spells can impact how well the seeds germinate.
So, can you plant black-eyed Susan seeds in the fall? Definitely! It’s a great option in colder climates, but just be aware of the potential challenges and weigh them against the benefits.
Rudbeckia Fulgida vs Hirta
When comparing Rudbeckia fulgida and Rudbeckia hirta, two prominent members of the Asteraceae family also know as Black-Eyed Susan, distinctions emerge that contribute to their unique roles in gardens. Rudbeckia fulgida, commonly known as the Orange Coneflower is a perennial species celebrated for its dense, bushy growth and vibrant golden-yellow petals surrounding a dark chocolate-brown cone. On the other hand, Rudbeckia hirta is often cultivated as an annual or biennial, showcasing a taller stature with daisy-like flower heads encompassing a central cone. While both species share the characteristic dark central cone, Rudbeckia fulgida typically stands out as a longer-lived perennial, thriving in a variety of soil conditions, making it an enduring presence in gardens, whereas Rudbeckia hirta, with its diverse cultivars and annual nature, offers a wider spectrum of colors and sizes, providing flexibility for seasonal displays. Gardening enthusiasts may find a place for both species, appreciating the longevity of Rudbeckia fulgida and the vibrant variety within Rudbeckia hirta.
Conclusion: A Personal Ode to Rudbeckia Hirta
In conclusion, Rudbeckia Hirta, the Black-Eyed Susan, has woven itself into the tapestry of my gardening journey. Its beauty, resilience, and ecological contributions make it a cherished companion in my outdoor sanctuary. From its cultural significance to its role in attracting butterflies and dragonflies, this versatile plant transcends mere visual appeal. As I continue to nurture and witness the annual bloom of Rudbeckia hirta in my garden, I am reminded that the beauty of nature, embodied by this exquisite flower, is a source of perpetual inspiration.
